Things to do in Northern Cape Breton

The region from Neils’s Harbour to Meat Cove is an area that offers outdoor enthusiasts a myriad of activities that allow them to experience first hand the rugged beauty for which northern Cape Breton is deservedly famous. Moreover, these activities are not reserved for the elite adventurer, but may be pursued and enjoyed by visitors with a wide variety of fitness levels.

Whale watching tours, hiking, cycling, and beach walking experiences all await visitors, and all may be pursued at varying levels of intensity and duration. Visitors seeking self-directed hiking, cycling or walking experiences will find maps and services available within the National Park visitor information centers. Those seeking guided outings, whale tours or cycle or kayak rental services will find private operators skilled in matching outings to ability levels or providing well-maintained equipment for rent.

Scenery

Most importantly, however, is the fact that this region is the heart of the truly spectacular “mountains meeting the sea” scenery so visitors seeking outdoor adventures not only find quality activities here, but also receive the added benefit of pursuing those activities in a magnificent setting.

Peruse our various Outdoors categories on our scroll down list to see the opportunities the region offers.

Environment

A good thumbnail description of the environment of northern Cape Breton can be found at http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/cbreton/natcul/index_e.asp and at http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ns/cbreton/natcul/natcul1a_E.asp. The environment to which the information refers includes the Top of the Island region…in fact, at the Top of the Island much of what is explained on the Park web page is most evident. Not only are the environmental attractions at their best here, but the whale watching, hiking, cycling or kayaking tours provided by various operators allow visitors to truly immerse themselves in this environment. Visitors can also join boat tours and get a different perspective. Seeing this magnificently mountainous shoreline from the water will surely add to the wonder of Cape Breton. It is during such outings that guests experience the flora and fauna that simply doesn’t exist in such plenitude in other regions.

Angie’s Family Restaurant is the only licensed, air conditioned restaurant in Cape North, Nova Scotia. Offering a full menu that includes traditional favorites, pizza, daily specials and shellfish. The lobsters we serve are locally caught in villages around Northern Cape Breton both on and off the Cabot Trail. Please come to enjoy a meal and the views.

Come enjoy world-famous Aspy Bay Oysters at the Hideaway Campground. Come sit a bit and we will shuck your oysters while offering an assortment of condiments. We are a licensed in case you want a cold beer, or if you simply want more seafood we offer locally caught Lobster and Snow Crab when in season. Eat in or take out, we welcome you to stay with us at Hideaway, or just stop in for some food and relax while you are out exploring the Top of the Island.

Largest independent grocery store in Cape North, Nova Scotia. We offer groceries, deli, meat, fresh produce, camping supplies, daily specials and a good cup of coffee. We are open year-round and also serve ice cream, pizza and take-out food: perfect to take back to your lodging or campsite.

The Cape North Farmer’s Market offers a Market Cafe, live music by local talent, organic produce, local crafts, home baking, and original art by local artists. Join us every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm when the doors to the Cape North Firehall open to most down-home Market on the Cabot Trail. Remember, admission to the market, like Cape Breton hospitality, is free.

Non-member welcome! We serve the community as a grocery store and a general store. Get your groceries, supplies for camping, motor oil and everything you need while in Northern Cape Breton. We also stock beer, liquor and a small selection of wine to enjoy while watching a beautiful sunset over the sea-bound highlands at the Top of the Island.

Eat in a picturesque setting with ocean and cliffs on three sides, while gazing at one of the island’s most beautiful lighthouses. We have a full menu, fresh seafood and are proud to brag about our famous seafood chowder. Stop by, try the chowder and let us know how much you like it.

Country Crafts offer a unique country experience on the northern portion of the Cabot Trail. We have the largest inventory of fishermen knit sweaters, quilts, pottery, jewelry, local art, tartan blankets and much more.

Nestled in the northeast corner of Cape Breton Island lies the quaint fishing village of Neil’s Harbour. Just two minutes off of the Cabot Trail, let the lighthouse guide you to Dixon’s Zodiac Seafari. Come ride the hurricane on your Nova Scotia Vacation.

Eagle North Canoe and Kayak: Rentals and ToursEagle North Canoe and Kayak: Rentals and Tours

Eagle North offers the best canoe and kayaking experience for families, beginners, or adventures! Explore salt marshes, beaches, coves and oyster beds. See eagles, seabirds and moose! Kayaking/hiking tours or kayak rentals in the Northern waterways and Highlands of the Cabot Trail.

Come to the Cape North Farmers’ Market at the apex of the Cabot Trail and have a bite at the Market Cafe. Vendors vary from week to week, but the authenticity stays the same and keeps locals coming back. As any traveler knows, the places where the locals hang out, are the places where you want to stop. Hours are 10 am to 1 pm, every Saturday. Admission to the Market is free, and best of all, there is live music by local musicians.

With 25 years of commitment and experience in guiding, Meat Cove Outfitters is the best choice for your guided, hunting experience in Northern Cape Breton, Nova Scotia at the top of the Cabot Trail. Let us take you on a wonderful hunting experience in the wonderful highlands, our backyard, our home.

Stop in and have a bite to eat and a chat at The Meat Cove Welcome Centre. Proudly run by local residents, this Welcome Centre is a favourite of locals and visitors as its menu caters to both local and vacationer tastes.

If you are interested in Hiking on the many wonderful trails of Meat Cove, then be sure to inquire at the Welcome Centre for hiking information. The staff at the centre pioneered many of the trails in the area and are happy to direct you on your hiking adventure.

The Neil’s Harbour co-op is proud to offer a quality meat and produce. We also sell camping supplies and lots of general goods. Remember: non-members are welcome, so please stop in for all your needs and don’t forget we carry a variety of liquor for those calm, relaxing Northern Cape Breton evenings.

The drive on the Cabot Trail alternate scenic route via Neil’s Harbour, White Point, New Haven and Smelt Brook is an added bonus to the delicious seafood we have available. Don’t forgot to stop at our famous lighthouse!